Fire Sign Cameroonian Midfielder Yazid Atouba

CHICAGO, Ill. (March 1, 2013) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Friday that it has signed MLS SuperDraft pick Yazid Atouba. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Atouba will be available for selection by Fire head coach Frank Klopas when the Men in Red take on the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m. CT (UniMas).

“We’re pleased to add Yazid to our roster,” said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. “Yazid is a quick, skillful player with tremendous potential. Throughout preseason he has shown that he has the talent to succeed in MLS.”

A 20-year-old, left-footed midfielder hailing from Cameroon, Atouba was selected in the second round (30th overall) in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. A Cameroonian Youth International, Atouba represented his country in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Championships where he started three of the four matches in which he appeared during the tournament, helping Cameroon reach the Round of 16. During the Fire’s preseason training camp, Atouba scored goals against the Columbus Crew Jan. 30 and Chivas USA Feb. 5.

The Fire host Opening Night at Toyota Park against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. CT (NBC Sports Network). Chicago Fire Season Tickets are available by calling 1-888-MLS-FIRE, via Ticketmaster or by heading to the club’s official website at www.Chicago-Fire.com.